The people of Johnson County deserve a sheriff who protects them—not one accused of abusing his power. Yet Sheriff Adam King now stands indicted on felony charges of retaliation against a witness and misdemeanor charges of abuse of office tied to sexual harassment.

According to affidavits, Sheriff King made repeated lewd and degrading comments toward female subordinates, telling one officer she’d need to “disrobe” before signing paperwork, and remarking that her weight loss might cause him to do “ungodly things.” In another incident, he ordered an employee to back up so he could stare at her feet in silence.

When an employee reported his harassment, King allegedly threatened to handcuff her and throw her in jail. When his chief deputy cooperated with investigators, King retaliated by suspending him. These are not the actions of someone fit to hold the highest law enforcement position in the county. They are the actions of someone abusing power to silence truth.

King has placed himself on administrative leave, but that is not accountability. Allowing him to remain sheriff—while under indictment—sends a chilling message to survivors of harassment and to every county employee: that power protects abusers and punishes whistleblowers.

Johnson County cannot rebuild trust in law enforcement with an indicted sheriff at the helm. Real justice requires his immediate suspension and removal from office, to protect employees and ensure the Sheriff’s Office serves the public with integrity.

We call on the Johnson County Commissioners Court, the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, and Governor Greg Abbott to act now. Sheriff Adam King must be removed from his position immediately. No sheriff, no matter how long in office, is above the law.

Removing King is not just about punishing misconduct. It’s about protecting women in the workplace, upholding the rule of law, and restoring the community’s trust in the badge.

Sign if you believe Sheriff Adam King must be removed from office now to protect employees and uphold justice in Johnson County.